Today's train music: Paperthin Hymn by Anberlin

Anberlin's Cities album is a breathless journey that every hard rock fan should own.  Their latest album (can't even remember what it's called) is a huge disappointment (and yes, it happened when they switched to a major label...), but luckily Cities is good enough to keep us happy for a long time.

"Paperthin Hymn" is from the album Never Take Friendship Personal, released just prior to Cities.  It's a little less polished than Cities, but filled with so much potential that it's still one of my favorites.

This song will probably not appeal to those who prefer their music a little quieter, but after a busy week, cranking up Anberlin is actually a great way to unwind.  Try it...

Corporate authenticity in advertising - two opposing examples

Say what you will about corporate advertising, but if there's one thing marketers do really well, it's understanding the zeitgeist of a nation.  And right now, the US is all about sincerity and authenticity.  But that's a tricky thing to get right, as the following two advertisements show (both currently on TV in the US).

First, this ad from Chevron's "Human Energy" campaign.  Everything in this ad is designed to make you cry - the piano music, the baby photos, the announcer's voice, dripping with sincerity...  Well, it just doesn't work for me.

But then there is this ad from the "You" campaign by mobile phone manufacturer HTC.  I was really amazed when I first saw it, because instead of just trying to be cute, it looks like they actually understand real people with real emotions.  Sure, it's just clever marketing, but I think if you're going to aim for authenticity, you better get it right, because being fake is the easiest thing in the world to spot...

Today's train music: Temple Scene

Today's train music is Temple Scene.  Just can't get enough of this band.  This track ("A sign of things to come") is a great example of musical restraint.  The song builds to a point where you know they have an opportunity to go really big with it, but then it just ends quietly.  You want it to go big, you expect it, but the fact that it doesn't just adds to the feeling of longing that is embedded in the melody and lyrics.  Great stuff.